Who is Kaivu Suvarna?
A 23 year old actor who’s had a very lucky year so far. Currently I’m working on Stay Woke at the Malthouse.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I wasn’t acting I’d love to do something involved with learning languages – that or just be a professional badminton player. Fast paced one-on-one sport really appeals to a competitive part of me I can never really indulge in healthily within theatre.
Who inspires you and why?
I could list names like Irfaan Khan and Riz Ahmed and Sushant Singh Rajput. That wouldn’t be untrue, seeing them and learning about their ethics has certainly helped me see that the path of an actor can be a fine thing to aspire to as a brown Australian. But more than that I usually find inspiration whenever I work with another South Asian actor. I don’t meet many, but when I do I usually see a palpable urgency and passion in their craft – the kind that comes from a need to prove to yourself the validity of the path you’ve chosen to walk. I just find that kind of conviction and discipline to be as galvanising as it is admirable – so yeah I’m having a blast on Stay Woke.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I have no satisfying answer to this. I’d just remain open to the idea that I can make a difference in the world and then when opportunities arise to make a meaningful impact hopefully I’ll take advantage of them.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
New Zealand, I like their treks.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Gotta go Loch and Key at some point, the only things better than the vibes there are the staff themselves who are a great time. To be honest though I love a good public garden; Carlton, Flagstaff, The Botanical, if you’re new and you’re with me, we are going to them.
What are you currently reading?
I wish I was reading.
What are you currently listening to?
Alot of ‘Das racist’ as well as this French Pop artist ‘Stromae’ – they’ve got a new album coming out 4 March – cannot wait!
Happiness is?
A Teriyaki Beef Burger with fries from Betwixt.
What does the future hold for you?
Well it’s my friend Rushan’s birthday tomorrow so I reckon we’ll go play some tennis together, then I’m going on a date!
Kaivu stars in the premiere of Malthouse Theatre production of Stay Woke by Aran Thangaratnam in the Beckett Theatre from 2 March. For more information, visit: www.malthousetheatre.com.au for details.
Image: Kaivu Suvarna (supplied)